IUP alumni panel empowers international students with job search strategies | News

IUP alumni panel empowers international students with job search strategies | News

IUP alumni and panelists Valerie Sutton, Emma Archer, Malik Al Ma’aiteh and Sahara Al-Shoubaki offered advice to current international students at IUP on navigating the job market in a panel discussion.

The panel took place on Sept. 17 in the Stabley Library. The event focused on tips and tricks for standing out to possible employers.

There was constant emphasis on the importance of “connecting” and encouragement for students to network as soon as possible with potential employers. The speakers highlighted the urgent need for students to build connections in their desired fields using websites such as LinkedIn.

“Create your own brand,” said Malik Al Ma’aiteh.  With employers receiving an abundant amount of the same types of profiles, Sahara urged students to maintain a master copy of their profile that can be tailored for each job application specific to the job description they are applying for.

To further this idea, Sahara Al-Shoubaki said, “Show, not only tell, in your profile.”

The panelists spoke on the importance of standing out in interviews. “Understand the cultural differences,” said Valerie Sutton, emphasizing the importance when talking to prospective employers.

The United States job market is not typically based on hierarchy. Sutton encouraged students to reach out to CEOs, who are likely to respond.

When reaching out to employers early you are building what Sutton calls, “warm leads.” Which are initial relationships that are formed early on which could lead to jobs and internships down the line.

International students should not be discouraged when entering the job field, instead they should use their unique disposition to their advantage, sharing their experiences and struggles.

Even if a student offers non-traditional experience, employers are often eager to learn about what clubs a student has participated in as well as what cultural knowledge you will bring to the company.

When asked about common mistakes candidates make and how to avoid them, the panelists shared their insights. Sutton highlighted her “seventy-thirty method,” which suggests that candidates should demonstrate qualifications for 70 percent of the job, with 30 percent left for growth.

Jobs are not necessarily looking for someone who is the perfect package, instead they are often searching for a candidate with potential to grow and learn in their future position.

“In your cover letter take mission and vision and see what matches with you,” Sutton said.

Al Ma’aiteh stressed the importance of honesty regarding visa situations, noting that employers are generally willing to work with applicants who are upfront about their visa status.

Honesty is the best policy, and this honest method of application was emphasized by all the alumni panelists.

The session concluded with well wishes for the students from each panelist, leaving them with a better understanding of how to navigate the job application process and insight on what steps to take when applying to jobs in the future.

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